DISCLAIMER: All Labyrinth-related characters, settings, ideas, etc, are (c) Henson, Lucas, Froud, Bowie, etc. Any irregularities in publication details are due to the fact that the Labyrinth itself doesn't follow any known protocols when it comes to producing a book.
Stay tuned for A/N at the end.
Within the first decade of the pursuit, the Labyrinth produced a story, a book, bound in red leather, with a gold-embossed title. Had the author been a Being, a suggestion of vanity in assigning a title after the author would have been well-placed. Since such characteristics can't truly apply to something without true sentience, it is difficult to explain or describe. Jareth's involvement in the publication ensured that the intended recipient would be able to read it in her own language, that the pages wouldn't be torn, damaged, or lost, and that the cover and content wouldn't get worn or dirtied more than would be interesting. He had little influence as to the content.
The delivery of the book, The Labyrinth, was Jareth's responsibility initially. At the height of the new moon, he stood in front of the main gates to the Labyrinth itself, and tossed the book into the air. At the apogee, Jareth sent a little breath of air after it, and the Magic of the Labyrinthine Alliance carried it Aboveground, intended destination and recipient undisclosed.
During the ensuing decades, it is probable that some of the wished-away children arrived in the Goblin Kingdom as a result of the wishers-away having read that little red book. Given the personality requirements for any female to be a match for the Goblin King, it is also very likely that those wishers-away decided to try for the return of the children in their care.
They were unsuccessful.
The failure of anyone to defeat the Labyrinth and the Goblin King in order to redeem those wished away was nearly a fundamental truth of the Labyrinth itself. It wasn't actually an automatic outcome, as various worthy challengers had won return and respect and a miniscule amount of good luck for the rest of their lives, and those wished away and rescued led lives with extra awareness of small amounts of magic, and never misplaced their keys.
Having waited longer than an average Mortal's lifetime, Jareth considered the possibility that the non-Being Magic of the LA might eventually cease its search. Considered, and discarded that idea. For non-Beings' concept of time passing coincides with nearly nothing else, and so Jareth knew that only his death or his successful marriage would halt the quest.
With the continued probable existence and consignment of the book frequently occupying his thoughts, Jareth had taken to traversing the Aboveground skies in his owl form, exact location chosen at random, or so he thought.
A/N: Here's the next installment.
As always, please comment, advise of questions, ideas, AND TYPOS!
And no, no Sarah yet. (I admit, I nearly have a bet going with myself as to how long before she appears. Thoughts on the matter?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review!